Biology Alumna Publishes Cholesterol Research

Dr. Leslie McCauliff, Biology '07

The paper reports the presence of multiple regions on the surface of a lysosomal protein, Niemann Pick C 2 (NPC2), that are required for rapid cholesterol trafficking in cells. The study suggests a novel mechanism for intra-lysosomal cholesterol transfer by the NPC2 protein and additionally contributes to our knowledge of intracellular cholesterol transport, a process that remains poorly understood.

After graduating from MMC in 2007, Dr. McCauliff pursued graduate studies at Rutgers University, where she conducted the research that led to this publication. She was awarded a doctorate in Nutritional Sciences in 2013.

Dr. McCauliff currently works as a Research Scientist at IONTOX and says of her position, “As part of a consulting company, I lead and support projects dealing primarily with in vitro toxicology and safety screening of chemicals, drugs and even food additives. I am also aiding in the development of innovative products, such as the Dynamic Multiorgan Plate, which will be used for the in vitro assessment of the adverse effects of chemicals and pharmaceuticals.”

Published: October 08, 2015